Chapter Eighteen
The cameras flashed in their faces as they walked up the diamond glittering carpet toward the hall being used for the introduction party. Though Radley was a wolf, it was already known he was racing for the fae team because he hadn’t used a pseudonym like her. However, no one seemed worried about Radley at all. They were concerned with the mysterious fae who kept their face covered and hidden. Though the cameras flashed in her face, she knew any pictures they got would only show darkness where her face should be. The glamour worked wonders. Cricket was used to so many cameras in her face, but Radley wasn’t. Still, the wolf didn’t flinch at the flashes, as if he’d dealt with it his entire life.
Some of the cameras would be allowed inside the party, the lucky few who had the right connections on the council. They would be the first to break the news of who the mysterious fae was.
“You okay?” Radley asked softly as they passed by the cameras and through the open doorway. The blast of cold air from inside cooled her feverish skin just enough to make her more comfortable.
“I will be,” she whispered.
No one approached them, not at first. Radley walked beside her, close enough to indicate they were a team but far enough away to be proper. She had the urge to thread her arm through his to steady herself, but she knew if she did such a thing, rumors would fly. Once her identity was revealed, Radley would be in even more danger from other threats. The biggest threat would be the fae standing amongst the crowd talking to a group of businessmen.
“My father is here already,” Cricket said so softly, Radley had to lean closer to hear. She couldn’t speak loudly, not with the various creatures in the building and their supernatural hearing. Too many had heightened senses.
Her father glanced over at them in curiosity, his eyes taking her in more than Radley. He was curious, trying to figure out who exactly was racing for the fae team and if he could control them by offering to be a sponsor. Lucky for them, they didn’t need his support at all.
Radley wasn’t the only wolf in the building either. The wolf team was made up of two females. Both of their eyes were riveted to Radley where he stood beside her. Though there was steam in their gazes, there was something else too. Cricket couldn’t figure out what it was until they brushed passed them.
“Traitor,” one of them murmured to Radley as they passed.
Radley didn’t react, didn’t tense, but Cricket did.
“That little—”
“Leave it,” Radley ordered, but upon realizing how his words had come across, he added, “please.”
She paused before nodding her head. “They had no right.”
“They don’t know my story,” he shrugged. “They see me racing for the fae team and make assumptions.” His eyes met hers and though she knew he couldn’t see hers, they still burned with the fire of a joined gaze. “The thing is, not all their assumptions are wrong.”
Cricket sucked in a breath, but before she could respond in any way or make a fool of herself, movement in her peripherals drew her eyes. Frowning, she followed the movement she’d seen in time to notice a wad of cash slipping into the wolf racer’s hand. She hid it away quickly, resuming the talk with Alpha Kline, the wolf on the council. Both of them glanced toward Radley and Cricket sucked in her breath. That wasn’t good.
She focused harder on the people in the crowd, watching as money exchanged hands over and over again. Promises were made, favors given, until Cricket saw with clarity exactly how corrupt the Games were. No one seemed to notice or care, continuing to throw back drink after drink as if they were trying to forget where they were. There would be enemies taken out in this race, and once her identity was revealed, there would be more money exchanging hands. Sponsors would likely choose other teams simply to get to her. The Snapdragon name came with many privileges, but it came with many threats too. She’d be throwing herself into deep water the moment she removed her hood.
“The tip was correct,” Cricket whispered to Radley, leaning in close to keep their conversation intimate. “There’s money being exchanged by even the Council members. I’m near certain Councilman Kline just paid the wolf team to eliminate you.”
“Oh, he most certainly did. Kline is a fucking coward and he’s never liked me.”
“What made him hate you so much?” she asked curiously, glancing up at him just in time to see the discomfort cross his face.
“I slept with his sister.”
Her brows shot up. “Well, then. . . perhaps, you deserve that.”
“I can’t disagree,” he admitted, drawing a small chuckle from her. His acceptance of the threat was almost as amusing as what he’d done to deserve it.
Cricket was smiling when she looked away from Radley but that smile fell the moment the fae male came walking through the crowd. Lisi was sporting a mint-colored suit, his impressive wings spread behind his back. He looked impeccable as always as he came up to them like he was important. Beside her, Radley took in the fae with a raised brow, no doubt searching for clues as to who he was. Lisi’s eyes glanced between Radley and her hidden eyes before he began to circle around her, studying her frame.
“Well, hello, Gena Protea. I don’t think we’ve ever met.” He tilted his head as he studied her. “Interesting choice to keep your identity a secret. You’ve even hidden your wings.” Lisi tapped his lip as if pondering some deep question. His eyes flashed as if he suspected precisely who she was.
Cricket considered not saying anything, but Lisi already knew her plan. He likely knew it was her. All she would be doing was confirming his suspicions. In the end, the question she had was more important than keeping her identity a secret from someone she once trusted.
“Did you warn him?” Cricket asked low.
Lisi’s eyes brightened at her voice. “I knew it!”
“Did you warn him?” she asked again, her voice steady. At one point, she’d considered Lisi someone that she could trust with her life. That had been wrong, and apparently, he’d seen her as nothing more than a meal ticket, but they had been friends, even if he’d been using her. Still, she wanted to trust him, wanted to consider him a friend. The answer to her question would reveal a lot.
Lisi pouted his lip out, an exaggeration he favored. He’d even had some work done to his lips to make the movement more pronounced. “Despite not wanting to race with you, you’re still my friend.” He sighed, glancing over the crowd to where she presumed her father stood. “No, I didn’t warn him. If he finds out I knew—”
“I won’t tell,” Cricket hurried to say. “Just stay under the radar.’
His eyes flicking to where Radley stood as a silent sentinel for a brief moment before he focused again on her hidden face. “You sure you don’t want to just marry me? I’m on the approved list and I wouldn’t cage you.” Cricket stiffened at his words. “I could make you happy.”
“I told you my answer,” Cricket murmured, glanced quickly at Radley to see his reaction. He didn’t seem to have one at all, his face a mask.
“It would be a shame for all that wasted potential to die in the Games,” Lisi tried again, moving just a hint closer.
Only then did Radley react. He moved forward, blocking the fae from getting any closer. “She said no,” he grunted.
Lisi looked between Radley and Cricket and raised his brows. “Naughty, naughty fae,” he rasped with a chuckle. “Have it your way, bestie. I’ll be getting trashed with those pretty fae over in the corner. Try not to die, would ya? We still have plans for the Hamptons next month.” Then he wondered away, as if nothing had changed at all between them.
“Who was that?” Radley asked with a growl.
Cricket sighed. “The man I thought was my best friend before all this. He must at least care a little if he didn’t warn my father, but if an opportunity arises to make himself look good, he’s likely to take it.”
“He only cares for what you’ll owe him for his silence and what you can offer. He’s hoping to stay in your good graces is all.” Radley shook his head, his eyes on the fae now doing his best to put away two drinks at once. “Is this the kind that surrounds you on a daily basis?”
Cricket nodded, staring sadly at her friend. They’d had good times together but now she wondered if any of it was real for him like it had been for her. Perhaps, she was simply a trick the entire time and the memories were just memories for her.
“No wonder you’re doing this,” he murmured. “Fucking selfish fae.”
“Radley,” she snorted, the corner of her lips curling up at him though he probably couldn’t see.
“Not you,” he corrected.
Her smile widened. “I know.”
King Yophiel moved up on stage, his face pinched with annoyance. The crowd fell silent at his appearance, waiting for whatever speech he’d give. Off to the side stood his advisor, Arden, and Danica Dyers, the human woman who won the race for them a year ago. She stood with a smile on her face, her eyes dancing between the King and the crowd. At one point, Cricket swore she was looking at her, but her gaze was gone a moment later, as if she didn’t want to linger too long.
“It’s been a year full of races and prosperities for many sects of the paranormal world,” the King spoke. “Many have traveled across this stage in the hopes of earning the prestigious title of Race Games winner, but few have earned the title. We haven’t had a winner for the last two races. Will this one be any different?” He paused for dramatic effect and Cricket understood why Yophiel was a good king. His father had been arrogant and proud, corrupt and evil. Yophiel commanded a room without fear. He was powerful, a proper King, but there was a kindness in his eyes that the old King had lacked. “This Race Game will be different as we’re introducing the teams early so that everyone knows who will be racing, so the world can make their bets and cheer for their favorites. Not only will the team who wins earn the title of champion, but there’s something very exciting up for grabs.” Arden stepped onto stage and held a glowing stone in his hands. Cricket stiffened, recognizing it for what it was. Radley, however, stared at it curiously. “The Fortress Runestone will be awarded to the team who crosses the finish line complete and intact.”
“What does it do?” Radley whispered, leaning close.
“It’s a protection artifact, a powerful one,” she replied. “Placed in a central location, it’ll keep any creature or person meaning harm to those inside from entering.”
Radley’s eyes widened, understanding the power of it, but Cricket was focused on the swirling red stone. That prize, when they won, wouldn’t be for her. It would be for Radley’s clan. Without a doubt, she knew she’d be giving it to him to protect all future pups from harm.
King Yophiel continued. “Now that you know the stakes, it’s time for you to meet your teams.” Someone brought the King a piece of paper where she knew the teams were listed. She knew her pseudonym would be beside the fae team, but he wouldn’t be reading the names. They were expected to step on stage once he called the team and they would each introduce themselves by name. “The Vampire Team.”
Two vampires stepped on stage, a female and a male, both with bright smiles. “Lidia and Dylan Yule,” they announced together. Twins, brother and sister, racing together. Once upon a time, Cricket had wished for a sibling, but she knew it was probably best she didn’t have one.
“Necromancer Team,” King Yophiel continued.
A single man stepped on stage, a glowing dog trotting at his side. The creature wasn’t decaying, some magic keeping him whole despite the telltale sign of being animated by the necromancer’s power.
“The Harrow,” he announced in an unnaturally deep voice, as if it were his name. When everyone stared at him in confusion, he nodded his head once and left the stage, the dog moving beside him.
Cricket knew nothing about necromancers but then again, most of the world didn’t either. It was strange that so many wanted to know. She didn’t think it was because they were secretive. A lot of it was that not even the necromancers understood what they were or their powers. So many tried to figure it out, to harness their power for themselves, but the necromancers were not a group to be controlled. Many of them couldn’t even control themselves, let alone be controlled.
“The Fae Team,” the King announced, and Cricket blew out a breath.
“Show time,” Radley said, moving toward the stage after making sure she was right behind him.
Every person in the hall craned their necks as Radley offered a hand to help her up the stairs. She appreciated the manners right then, her feet a little shaky. There were so many people here, the most important people watching them closely. Her father stood in the crowd watching. Lisi stood in the corner, his eyes clear despite the number of drinks he’d ingested in the last thirty minutes. It was as if everyone held their breath, waiting for the moment she spoke.
The cameras overhead zoomed in, moving closer to them where they stood side by side. They all waited for their voices, and she didn’t blame them. Their world loved secrets, and she was a walking, talking one.
Radley rolled his shoulders and lifted his chin. “I’m Radley Whiteclaw,” he began before looking at her. His mask was firmly in place, all that fire he held hidden away, but still, Cricket could feel his emotions. Excitement. The alpha was excited.
Cricket smiled and lifted her hands to the fastening of her cloak. The crowd moved in closer. Carefully, she twisted the button and released the black cloak, tilting her head back the same time she rolled her shoulders back. The cloak dropped to the ground slowly, her wings unfolding from their glamour and sending small sparkles of light around the room. The crowd gasped in shock.
“And I’m Cricket Snapdragon,” she announced, her eyes hard. “We race for the fae team.”
The crowd erupted all at once.